MAX ON LIFE

58. I'm troubled by the vestiges of racism in the church. Our congregation seems oblivious to the whole topic. It's never mentioned. didn't Jesus address it?

He certainly did.
He told the story of an affluent white man who was driving home from his downtown office. Since the hour was late and he was tired, he took the direct route, which led through the roughest part of the city. Wouldn't you know it - he ran out of gas. While walking to the convenience store, he was mugged and left for dead on the sidewalk.
A few minutes later a preacher drove by on the way to the evening church service. He saw the man on the sidewalk and started to help but then realized it would be too dangerous to stop.
Soon thereafter a respected seminary professor came by and saw the man but decided it was best not to get involved.
Finally, an old Hispanic immigrant driving a beat-up truck saw the man, stopped, and took him to the hospital. He paid the hospital bill and went on his way.
I altered the characters but not Jesus' question: "Which.... was a neighbor to the man?" (Luke 10:36) The answer? The man who responded with kindness. Neighborliness, then, is not defined by where you live but how you love. Your neighbor is not just the person in the next house but the one who needs your help. Your neighbor may be the person you've been taught not to love. For the Jew in the days of Jesus, it was a Samaritan.
For an Israeli today, it is a Palestinian.
For an Arab, a Jew.
For a black male, how about a pickup-driving, gun-toting, tobacco-chewing, baseball cap-wearing redneck?
For the Hispanic poor, how about the Hispanic affluent? For any Hispanic, how about the person who called you "wetback"?
For a white, the one who called you "gringo".
And for the black, the one who called you "boy".
Loving your neighbor is loving the person you used to hate.
A Christian has no excuse for prejudice. The prejudice of pagans can be explained, but in the case of a Christian, there is no explanation. No justification. We will never cross a cultural barrier greater than the one Jesus did. He learned our language, he lived in our world, he ate our food.... but most of all he took on our sins. How can we, who have been loved so much, not do the same for others? Those who find it hard to reach across racial differences should think twice. Unless they are Jews, a foreigner died on the cross for their sins.

By? Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

57. Why is there so much chaos and evil in the world? It seems that no one cares about what God wants, and humanity is imploding.

Ever spin a top? The initial thrust forces it to spin powerfully, knocking over obstacles as it rip across the table. Then something starts to happen. The thrust weakens; the top wobbles. Now when it bounces off something, it teeter and totters. Finally the top is in a full-on death spin, until boom.... it crashes and stops.

That top is an example of the second law of thermodynamics, which explains why things, over time, slowly go from order to chaos.

The law is directly applied to the physical world of planets, baseballs, and tops, but indirectly it makes some sense in regard to the spiritual and moral fabric of our society.

As time goes on, things seem to spin more wildly out of control.

Sin caused the initial wobble in the garden. Ever since then the world has groaned for relief (Rom 8:22). But is there a slow decline?

Jesus certainly warned us in Matthew 24 of wars, persecutions, and earthquakes, but many of those things have happened and still happen.

People all throughout time have thought that evil was running rampant:

• The Roman persecution
• the crusades
• Hitler and World War II
• Middle East terrorism

Sin works proportionately to the number of opportunities it is given. As communication and technology grow, sin expands with it. So while the world appears to be spinning out of control, it is only behaving as expected.

From our perspective, the world looks like chaos. From God's, it's all going according to schedule. From our perspective, evil is center stage. From God's, evil is taking a selfish bow during its final act.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

56. If God cares for his people, why do Christians suffer persecution and violence? This seems contradictory.

I really want to find that verse in the Bible that promises no persecution and violence for Christians. I want to claim it and hold it up to God so Christians will never die for their faith again.

Unfortunately, I can't find it. I find just the opposite. Hebrews 11, the Bible's brief biography of God's best of the best, is difficult to read: "Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented" (vv. 35-37). This is how God treats his friends.

Jesus sent out the Twelve for an Israel-wide-revival, promising healings and miracles for everyone - oh, and persecution. In Matthew 10, Jesus, in one of the most discouraging "Win One for the Gipper" speeches, said: "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues" (v. 17), "when they arrest you" (v. 19), "put (you) to death" (v. 21), "all men will hate you" (v. 22), "when you are persecuted" (v. 23), "do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul" (v. 28). Thanks, Jesus. Can't wait.

Some of those friends liked persecution. Like Paul: "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor 12:10). Paul thought it built character. Maybe he was right.

Persecution is inevitable. Even Jesus couldn't escape it. In fact, he became the poster child for persecution, the rallying cry of others who would die for their faith. Revelation speaks of martyred souls crying out for justice now and in the future (6:9-11).

Persecution is necessary for the advancement of the gospel. The death of Stephen in Acts 7 caused the gospel to spread to distant lands. Today in China, where persecution of Christians is high, the church is exploding in growth as those outside the faith see believers sacrificing their lives and their bodies.

But don't worry, persecution is not a problem.

"Can anything separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can troubles or problems or sufferings or hunger or nakedness or danger or violent death?.... Nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 8:35, 39)

Sin is the problem, and we're here to help people overcome it even if it means risking our own lives.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

55. On a daily basis we're bombarded with worst-case-scenario headlines about illnesses or terrorism or financial collapse. These are very real concerns. But we can't spend all day hiding from life. What type of advice would you give us?

Let's avoid the two extremes.
One extreme is the Chicken Little who runs around, saying, "The sky is falling, the sky is falling." That's called panic.
The other extreme is Pollyanna. Pollyanna is the one who says, "Oh, nothing bad is happening, nothing bad is happening. It's bot bad. It's all good." That's called ignorance.
This world stinks sometimes. There's cancer and there's death in this world. There's sadness in this world. There are orphans in this world. There's hunger in this world. And sometimes you're going to pray for things, and the prayer isn't going to be answered the way you want. It's hard to be a Pollyanna when the sky is falling!
But somewhere between Chicken Little and Pollyanna are the sober, honest disciples of Christ who don't freak out at the presence of problems. Who don't lose faith when problems come. They know that all these problems are a natural unfolding of events.
For in the end, all believers will tumble skyward into the embrace of heaven, where nothing bad will ever happen again.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

54. When prayers aren't answered and calamities happen, is God sitting on his hands? Why does God sometimes opt for silence even when I'm screaming my loudest?

Your question proposes two responses from God in difficult times:
God can not.
God will not.
Can God do anything when faced with disasters and calamities? The book of Daniel states: "(God) does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him, 'What do you mean by doing these things?' " (4:35).
The Bible declares clearly that God can. As Paul wrote, "God.... is the blessed controller of all things, the king over all kings and the master of all masters" (1 Tim 6:15).
Jesus can too. "The Son is.... sustaining all things by his powerful word" (Heb 1:3). God made it all. He holds the instruction manuals to everything. He knows how they work. God is unlimited in his power.
He can respond, and you can trust his strength.
Now, will God do anything when we need him to? Trickier question. I can't answer that. I would be God. That answer must trust his love and wisdom. God rescues those he wishes to rescue. He heals those he wants to heal. "I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act" (Is 48:10-11).
He may respond, and you must trust his sovereignty.
Sometimes silence from God may be the best response. When you scream at God, do you really want him to scream back? Mountains shake before the Lord. When someone screams at me, I find the best response is silence. Peace begets peace. Anger stirs anger. Be glad God is silent at times like that.
Although God may not speak when we want him to, he is working, silently, behind the scenes, bringing the best solution to the situation.
So always remember:
God can get it done, and God's will will be done.

By: Max Lucado

A New Thing

It's time to take our faith to the next level.  Where is God leading you as an individual? a group? It is imperative that we work in alignment with God's purpose and plans.  There are several opportunities at church to restore and build our faith... Take the time to seek new paths and bring someone along.  Life groups are designed for unconnected people to stay connected.

MAX ON LIFE

53. What if the global temperature rises a few more degrees? What if a terrorist gets on the airplane I'm on? What if things only get worse in the world? How do I keep all this bad news in perspective?

Paradise is not promised until Jesus returns. Peace, joy and the absence of pain are promises of the future, not the present. Sin is still epidemic. But the cure is coming.
Remember that Christ predicted the bad news. Christ forewarned us about spiritual bailouts, ecological turmoil, and worldwide persecution. He told us things are going to get bad, really bad, before they get better. And when conditions worsen, "See to it that you are not alarmed" (Matt 24L6). Jesus chose a stout term for alarmed that he used on no other occasion. It means "to wail, to cry aloud", as if Jesus counseled the disciples, "Don't freak out when bad stuff happens".
The only time we should get scared is when something surprises God. If something takes God by surprise, we are doomed. Since God knows all things, we are comforted.
If Christ can predict the problem he can solve it. The same God who has the power of omniscience (knowing everything at every time) also has the power of omnipresence (being multipresent) and omnipotence (having all power). That trinitarian trifecta is unstoppable. All problems are too small in the shadow of God.
Take comfort; it's the beginning of the end and the beginning of the new beginning. In Matthew 24:8, Jesus called these challenges birth pangs. Birth pangs must occur before a new birth. During this time the mother keeps focused on the end result, the moment she gets to hold that beautiful baby in her arms. She knows birth pangs don't last forever and they signal a new beginning in her life. Calamities and catastrophes are the earthly pains that must occur before the birth of the new world. Hold on. Grit your teeth. The next push could be the last.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

52. Why do women choose to have an abortion? I just can't understand how they can agree to kill their unborn child. This seems so barbaric.

It would be difficult to know and summarize every reason women choose to have an abortion, but I think most of the reasons can be found in a few areas.

Accidents happen: A woman sees the pregnancy as a mistake. This isn't the right time. This isn't the right father.

Clinical diagnosis: The fetus is described in medical terms, not human terms. They see the child as just cells, not as a human being.

Legal right: The law says we can, so we do. Since abortion is not penalized as murder, it must be acceptable.

Selfish priorities: The woman's (and/or man's) dreams and plans for the future do not include a child. The stronger survives.

Health concerns: The mother or the baby is diagnosed to have physical problems.

We can't overstate the difficulty of the decision. As a male, I do not pretend to understand the weight or the burden of an undesired pregnancy. At the same time, we cannot overstate the inherent value of a human being and the sovereignty of God. Other than cases where abortion saves the life of the mother, we must protect the child.

An in all situations we must extend mercy. Many women who choose abortion are lost, scared, humiliated, guilt ridden, angry at themselves, alone. In some cases, they were raped or violated. They don't need more condemnation, just clarification and compassion.

Look for ways to be a source of kindness. God is in the business of turning our mistakes into moments of grace.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

51. I'm a new Christian. Over the years I've developed a lot of bad habits. How do I get rid of them now?

By developing good ones. Here are four to start with:

First, the habit of prayer: "Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come, endure them patiently; steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer" (Rom 12:12, emphasis mine). Posture, tone, and place are personal matters. Select the form that works for you. But don't think about it too much. Better to pray awkwardly than not at all.

Second, the habit of study: "The man who looks into the perfect mirror of God's law.... and makes a habit of so doing, is not the man who sees and forgets. He puts that law into practice and he wins true happiness" (James 1:25, emphasis mine ).

Third, the habit of giving: "On every Lord's Day each of you should put aside something from what you have earned during the week, and use it for this offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn" (1 Cor 16:2, emphasis mine). You don't give for God's sake. You give for your sake. "The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives" (Deut 14:23).

And last of all, the habit of fellowship: "Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another" (Heb 19:25, emphasis mine). You need support. You need what the Bible calls fellowship. And you need it every week.

Four habits worth having. Isn't it good to know that some habits are good for you?

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

50. I've tried to be a friend to a new kid in our school. He's from another culture, and most of the kids in school treat him like dirt. Now they're making fun of me for being friends with him. This really hurts, but I feel sorry for him. I'm his only friend right now. What should I do?

Jews and Greeks were about as far apart as you could get on the philosophical/religious scale. Jews believed in one God, one truth, one Scripture. They pursued purity and righteousness. Greeks believed in many gods, many truths, and many writings of wisdom. They lived sensually - whatever felt good must be good.
The two groups rolled their eyes at each other. They despised each other. They never ate lunch together.
Along came Christianity and a man named Paul, who tried to reach out to both sides and reconcile them through his ministry.

"For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." (1 Cor 12:13)
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal 3:28)
"Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all." (Col 3:11)

The cause of prejudice is ignorance. People don't understand, so they attack and divide.
When we take away the skin color, the cultural garb, and the accent, we realize we are all the same.
We all want to be loved.
We all want to survive.
I would remain a friend to the new kid no matter what is said. The new kid is an unknown, but you are making him known. The first few jokes always sting, but over time the prejudice fades, the jokes get old, and the people see that their mockery won't make a difference. Others look only at the surface and see differences. You obviously look deeper into this friend and see similarities.

Heaven is not divided into neighborhoods. Jews over here. Greeks here. Iranians over there. Peruvians in the middle. In fact, when the colors of heaven are mentioned, they are always expressed as a rainbow (Rev 4:3; 10:1).

We should integrate ourselves with one another here on earth because it will be that way in heaven.... where no one eats alone.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

49. My brother has been in a slump for weeks. He lost his job and, it seems, his motivation. What's going on?

The Bible talks about wilderness times. Your brother may be facing one. Jesus did.

Jesus was "in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil" (Luke 4:1-2). Jesus spent a month and ten days slugging it out with Satan. The wilderness is a long, lonely winter.

Doctor after doctor. Resume after resume. Diaper after diaper. Zoloft after Zoloft. Heartache after heartache. The calendar is stuck in February, and you're stuck in South Dakota, and you can't even remember what spring smells like.

In the wilderness you think the unthinkable. Jesus did. Wild possibilities crossed his mind. Teaming up with Satan? Opting to be a dictator and not a Savior? Torching Earth and starting over on Pluto? We don't know what he thought. We just know this: he was tempted. And "one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust" (James 1:14). Temptation carries you and entices you. What was unimaginable prior to the wilderness becomes possible in it. A tough marriage can make a good man look twice at the wrong woman. Extended sickness makes even the stoutest soul consider suicide. Stress makes the smokiest nightclub smell sweet. In the wilderness you think the unthinkable.

For that reason, the wilderness is the maternity ward for addictions. Binge eating, budget-busting gambling, excessive drinking, pornography - all short term solutions to deep-seated problems. Typically they have no appeal, but in the wilderness you give thought to the unthinkable.

Urge your brother to rely on Scripture. Doubt doubts before doubting beliefs. Jesus told Satan, "MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD" (Matt 4:4). The verb proceeds is literally "pouring out". Its tense suggest that God is constantly and aggressively communicating with the world through his Word. Wow! God is speaking still!

Your brother's time in the desert will pass. Jesus' did. "The devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him" (v. 11).

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

48. My anxiety is affecting my health, family, and work. where do I turn?

I encourage you to share your fears with others. Pull back the curtains. Expose your fears, each and every one. Like vampires, they can't stand the sunlight. Financial fears, relationship fears, professional fears, safety fears - call them out in prayer. Drag them out by the hand of your mind, and make them stand before God and take their comeuppance!!

Jesus made his fears public. He "offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death" (Heb 5:7). He prayed loudly enough to be heard and recorded, and he begged his community of friends to pray with him.

His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane becomes, for Christians, a picture of the church in action - a place where fears can be verbalized, pronounced, stripped down, and denounced; an escape from the wordless darkness of suppressed frights. A healthy church is where our fears go to die. We pierce them through with Scripture, psalms of celebration and lament. We melt them in the sunlight of confession. We extinguish them with the waterfall of worship, choosing to gaze at God, not our dreads.

Verbalize your angst to a trusted circle of God-seekers. The big deal (and good news) is this: you needn't live alone with your fear.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

47. I often wake up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep. So much to do, so many things could go wrong. How can I calm my mind?

The Greek word for worry, merimnao, stems from the verb merizo (divide) and nous (mind). Worry cleavers the mind, splitting thoughts between today and tomorrow. Today stands no chance against it. Fretting over tomorrow's problems siphons the strength you need for today, leaving you anemic and weak.

When you can't sleep, don't count sheep - read Scripture. Distinguish between God's voice and the voice of fear.

Worry takes a look at catastrophes and groans, "It's all coming unraveled."

God says, "Every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good" (Rom 8:28).

Worry claims, "The world has gone crazy."

God's Word disagrees: "(Jesus has) done it all and done it well" (Mark 7:37).

Worry wonders if anyone is if control.

God's Word calls God "the blessed controller of all things" (1 Tim 6:15).

Worry whispers this lie: "God doesn't know what I need."

God's Word declares, "God will take care of everything you need" (Phil 4:19).

Worry never sleeps.

God's children do.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

46. For the past six months I've been the sole caretaker for my mom during multiple surgeries. The emotional and physical intensity of this leaves me so exhausted that I don't have the strength to pray. Does this mean that I am disappointing God or that he won't help me in this trial?

We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1John 2:1)

Do you know that you don't always have to be present in court? Sometimes your lawyer can speak for you. He understands these situations when you don't, and he speaks legalese while you stumble over the words.

You also have an advocate standing before the Father. When you are weak, he is strong. When you are timid, he speaks.

Jesus understands our every weakness. He lived in one of these tired, brokendown bodies! So he can stand in for us, appealing for us, when we just can't speak for ourselves.

We also have support from the Holy Spirit.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. (Rom 8:26-27)

Those sounds coming from your tired soul? Indecipherable? Hardly. The Holy Spirit speaks Groan-ese. Our groans are worth a thousand words.

"Uuuggghhh" - Help me, Lord. Get me out of this misery.

"Uhhhhhhhh" - I don't know what to do. The pain is too much.

"Ooohhhhhh" - Where is everyone?

God is not disappointed that we are so burdened we can't pray. He is sympathetic and picks up where we dropped off. With Jesus as your advocate and the Holy Spirit as your prayer partner, I bet you've been praying more than you think.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

45. When my mother's health deteriorated, we had to put her in a nursing home. Mom has accepted the situation , but I get so depressed about it that I have to force myself to visit her. What's wrong with me?

For many years my mother was in an assisted-living facility not far from my house. The first few months I found it hard to see color amid the wrinkles, walkers, wheelchairs and dentures. Each visit was a depressing reminder of my mom's failing health and fading memory.

Then I began to spot God's beauty among the people.

The loyalty of Elaine, also eighty-seven, who sat next to Mom at lunch. She cut my other's food so she could eat it.

The unsquashable enthusiasm of Lois, nearly eighty, who, in spite of arthritis in both knees, volunteered to pour the morning coffee every day.

At first I saw age, disease, and faded vigor. With time I saw love, courage, and unflappable unselfishness.

Ask God to show you his work. He will be happy to do so.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

44. I've just discovered some things about a friend. He's been making mean comments about me to others. I'm trying to forgive him, but it's not easy.

There was a person in our world who brought Denalyn and me a lot of stress. She would call in the middle of the night. She was demanding and ruthless. She screamed at us in public. When she wanted something, she wanted it immediately, and she wanted it exclusively from us.

But we never asked her to leave us alone. We never told her to bug someone else. We never tried to get even.

After all, she was only a few months old.

It was easy for us to forgive our infant daughter's behavior because we knew she didn't know better.

Now, there is a world of difference between an innocent child and a deliberate destroyer. But there is still a point to my story: the way to handle a person's behavior is to understand the cause of it. One way to deal with people's peculiarities is to try to understand why they are peculiar.

Jesus knew Judas had been seduced by a powerful foe. He was aware of the wiles of Satan's whispers (he had just heard them himself). He knew how hard it was for Judas to do what was right.

He didn't justify what Judas did. He didn't minimize the deed. Nor did he release Judas from his choice. But he did look eye to eye at his betrayer and try to understand.

As long as you hate your enemy, a jail door is closed, and a prisoner is taken. But when you try to understand and release your foe from your hatred, then the prisoner is released, and that prisoner is you.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

43. Is it okay for me to fire an unproductive worker? I'm a Christian, but I'm also a supervisor. How do I show love to a lazy employee?

When we look at the love of Christ, we make a wonderful discovery. Love is more a decision than an emotion. You don't feel goose bumps and think sweet sentiments when you see your employee? Neither did Christ! In fact, there were times he felt everything but goose bumps. There was at least one time when he asked, "How long must I put up with you? (Mark 9:19).

To love as Christ loved is not a matter of emotion but a matter of resolution to do whatever is in the best interest of the person.

This may mean applauding good behavior. Jesus applauded the faith of the centurion and the sacrifice of the woman with the alabaster bottle (Matt 8:5-10; 26:6-13). Christlike love applauds good behavior.

At the same time, Christlike love refuses to endorse misbehavior. Jesus loved the woman who was caught in adultery, but he didn't dismiss her sin (John 8:2-11). Jesus loved his apostles, but he wasn't silent when they were faithless (Matt 8:23-26). Jesus loved the people in the temple, but he didn't sit still when they were hypocritical (John 2:14016). Love does whatever is in the best interest of a person.

The teenager says to his parents, "If you loved me, you'd let me come in as late as I want". That's a lie. Love does whatever is in the best interest of a person. Love sets curfews.

The cheating husband says to his wife, "If you loved me, you'd forget what has happened and let me come home". That may not be true. Love does what is in the best interest of a person. Love sets boundaries and seeks counsel.

The needy person says, "If the church loved me, it would pay all my bills." That may not be true. It might be more loving to provide a job for that person rather than give money to him.

The Love of Christ is no sweet sentiment but rather a heartfelt resolve to do what is in the best interest of another person. Sometimes that means cleansing a temple. Other times that means dying on a cross.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

42. I believed in forgiveness until our ex-son-in-law broke our daughter's heart. He cheated on her, dropped her, and now is demanding custody of our grandchild. Forgiveness? Not likely.

Some time ago I was speaking about anger at a men's gathering. I described resentment as a prison and pointed out that when we put someone in our jail cell of hatred, we are stuck guarding the door. After the message, a man introduced himself as a former prison inmate. He described how the guard at the gate of a prison is even more confined than a prisoner. The guard spends his day in a four-by-five-foot house. The prisoner has a ten-by-twelve cell. The guard can't leave; the prisoner gets to walk around. The prisoner can relax, but the guard has to be constantly alert. You might object and say, "Yes, but the guard of the prison gets to go home at night." True, but the guard of the prison of resentment doesn't.

If you're out to settle the score, you'll never rest. How can you? For one thing, your debtor may never pay. As much as you think you deserve an apology, your enemy may not agree. The racist may never repent. The chauvinist may never change. As justified as you are in your quest for vengeance, you may never get a penny's worth of justice. And if you do get some justice, will it be enough?

Let's really think about this one. How much justice is enough? Picture your enemy for a moment. Picture him tied to the whipping post. The strong-armed man with the whip turns to you and asks, "How many lashes?" And you give a number. The whip cracks, and the blood flows, and the punishment is inflicted. Your foe slumps to the ground, and you walk away.

Are you happy now? Do you feel better? Are you at peace? Perhaps for a while, but soon another memory will surface, and another lash will be needed, and.... When does it all stop?

It stops when we start to forgive.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

41. I was sexually abused as a child, and I've honestly tried to forgive this person. But I continue to suffer the effects of the abuse, both mentally and physically, so the pain and anguish keep me on a crazy cycle. One day I feel that I can forgive, and the next I feel I can't.

Your pain is real. No greeting-card homily is going to solve all your problems. But stay with me a moment as I suggest a perspective shift.

Hurt people hurt people. The person refused to forgive his abuser and decided to take out his aggressions on you.

Forgiveness breaks the chain of abuse. Forgiveness resolves the past and protects the future.

Without it you are doomed to pass on abuse. Not necessarily sexually but through anger or a lack of commitment in relationships. Somewhere, sometime, with some unwitting victim, hurt pops unexpectedly out of the box and destroys another party.

Jesus forgave people in the past, present, and future. Imagine forgiving hurt that hasn't even happened to you yet. You don't have a reason to hate someone, but you forgive before he gives you one. A person doesn't repent for something he hasn't yet done, but Jesus has already forgiven him.

Before you get caught in the crazy cycle of hurt and forgivelessness, try shifting your glance away from the one who hurt you and setting your eyes on the One who has saved you.

We all need forgiveness. Especially the person who hurt you.

By: Max Lucado

Meeting Recap - 8/4/2011 - Carlos n Charlie's

Good afternoon My Christian Sisters!

What an awesome time we had fellowshipping thursday night.  I am always excited about spending time with you all.  Here is what we discussed:

New members - we discussed if we are a closed group or an open group - consensus says: we are OPEN.  Kathi made a good point that even if we have people just passing through or stopping by we should always keep the door open because what they may not "feel" about us and the work of God at hand at that time, then they may eventually take something away with them that can minister into their lives.

Study Topics - We didn't really come to an agreement on how we should proceed with this, however Andreina had some suggestions about ways she studied in other groups, which she can share with us.  Kathi suggested that we keep our group to fellowship and encouragement.  I believe we should pray on how we shall proceed.  If I remember correctly I believe Martha suggested bringing some scriptures to group and we can share and study them as our hearts are led. 

Community Service - I suggested that we continue to pray about our next community service.  One suggestion was the Presbyterian Church on Evernia (down the street from me) They have a soup kitchen on Monday evenings and I believe on wednesday evenings out at Curry park.  Let's do more research on community service opportunities that we can avail ourselves to.

Charitable stuff - My suggestion is that we begin a collection of things that we can give to charity or start a fund that we can deposit into to give AS A GROUP.  More discussion to follow.

Matters of the heart - I feel as though some of you are not taking advantage of the group experience.  You are not in the world to take on anything alone.  The purpose of the group is to come together and agree on any matter petition before God.  We need to encourage and uplift one another, without shame or condemnation.  Please be available for one another, it is of good service to God that we do this.  It is not by accident that we are together, please know that.  We have a sister who is in need and is struggling to be an active christian.  Catherine - we are here for you my sister.  Antoinette we really need you for discipleship.  Cast your cares on the Lord and get busy in the the lives of others - God got you already, help him to get others as he has summoned you to do.  We love you and miss you.

New Meeting date/time: As you all know, I am still attending school and I have my new schedule which I am scheduled for a class on thursday evenings starting in september.  This class is an 8 week class and I would like to know what you all feel about "TEMPORARILY" moving meeting night to another day, which we all can agree on.  Give me suggestions, look at your calendars and keep me posted.

We will meet this thursday at my place at 7.  Please bring something to share (food and thoughts).

Be blessed, enjoy services this week (Dr. Maxwell) and I will see you all in passing or thursday evening.

Celebrating Kathy

The ladies of CHB were invited to a surprise birthday celebration for co leader Kathy Ryan.  The love and support shown to her by lifelong friends and family is an extended to our group.  Kathy is an amazing woman with such a love for Christ and her family and friends.  We love you Kathy as you shift over into the next quarter of your life.

MAX ON LIFE

40. A Christian friend of mine tends to be rude to people in the service industry with her comments and actions. I'm offended and embarrassed by her behavior. Am I wrong to be bothered?

We see Jesus dining out a few times in the Bible. What did he do?

At the feedings of the four and five thousand, Jesus played chef and asked the disciples to be the waiters (Matt 15:29-38; 14:13-21).

While communing with the apostles at Passover, he played host and washed their feet. The host became the servant (John 13-1-17).

While Jesus was eating with the Pharisees, a woman with a sinful past anointed him with priceless oil. Jesus kindly allowed her to interrupt his meal and worship him (Luke 7:36-38).

Jesus was rude to only one group of people while eating - the Pharisees, who spoiled his meal with their distasteful treatment of others (Luke 7:39-50).

So what would Jesus leave a waiter?

Encouragement to help him endure the struggles of his job.

Forgiveness despite the mismatched orders and dirty spoon.

Eternity with a spoken word or an invitation to hear more.

Thanks communicated clearly through a satisfactory gratuity of 15 to 20 percent.

Jesus understood what it meant to be a servant, and he would certainly serve the servants with kindness and respect.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

39. My ex-wife and I share joint custody of our kids. She constantly says negative things about me to our kids and seems intent on destroying my relationship with them. I want to keep a positive relationship with her for the sake of the kids, but it's so hard to keep forgiving her.

We forgive the one-time offenders. We dismiss the parking-place takers, the date breakers, and even the purse snatchers.

We can move past the misdemeanors, but the felonies? The repeat offenders? Vengeance fixes your attention of life's ugliest moments. Score settling freezes your state at cruel events in your past. Is this where you want to look? Will rehearsing and reliving your hurts make you a better person? By no means. It will destroy you.

Your enemies still figure into God's plan. Their pulse is proof: God hasn't given up on them. They may be out of God's will but not out of his reach. You honor God when you see them not as his failures but as his projects.

God occupies the only seat on the supreme court of heaven. He wears the robe and refuses to share the gavel. For this reason Paul wrote, "Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. 'I'll do the judging', says God. 'I'll take care of it' " (Rom 12:19).

Revenge removes God from the equation. Vigilantes displace and replace God. "I'm not sure you can handle this one, Lord. You may punish too little or too slowly. I'll take this matter into my hands, thank you."

Only God assesses accurate judgments. We impose punishments too slight or too severe. God dispenses perfect justice. Vengeance is his job. Leave your enemies in God's hands. You're not endorsing their misbehavior when you do. You can hate what someone did without letting hatred consume you. Forgiveness is not excusing.

You have an opportunity to teach your children, during your limited time together, a valuable lesson in forgiveness. Revenge and retaliation are not yours. Model for your children the same attitude Jesus showed in his life and on the cross.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

38. My boss promised me a promotion every time he needed me to work overtime. I worked sixty-hour weeks for years but when a big promotion came up - you guessed it - he passed over me for a new person at the company. I have to keep working with this boss, but my resentment makes it very difficult for me even to be civil with him.

The boss who promised promotions has forgotten you. And you are hurt.

Part of you is broken, and the other part is bitter. Part of you wants to cry, and part of you wants to fight. The tears you cry are hot because they come from your heart, where there is a fire burning. It's the fire of anger. It's blazing. It's consuming. Its flames leap up under the streaming pot of revenge.

And you are left with a decision. "Do I put out the fire or heat it up? Do I get over it or get even? Do I release it or resent it? Do I let my hurts heal, or do I let hurt turn into hate?

That's a good definition of resentment: resentment is when you let you let your hurt become hate. Resentment is when you allow what is eating you to eat you up. Resentment is when you poke, stoke, feed, and fan the fire, stirring the flames and reliving he pain.

Revenge is the raging fire that consumes the arsonist. Bitterness is the trap that snares the hunter.

And mercy is the choice that can set them all free.

"Blessed are the merciful," said Jesus on the mountain. Those who are merciful to others are the ones who are truly blessed. Why? Jesus answered the question: "they will be shown mercy" (Matt 5:7).

The merciful, says Jesus, are shown mercy. They witness grace. They are blessed because they are testimonies to a greater goodness. Forgiving others allows us to see how God has forgiven us. The dynamic of giving grace is the key to understanding grace, for it is when we forgive others that we begin to feel what God feels.

Because God has forgiven you more than you'll ever be called on to forgive in another, set your enemy - and yourself - free.

By: Max Lucado

MAX ON LIFE

37. I'm afraid to enjoy life and try new things: I feel I'm being laughed at. I'm also afraid to go places because I worry that I might get into an accident. So I hang out in my house in my little town and never venture too far away from my comfort zone. I really don't like living this way.

In my book Fearless I wrote:

When fear shapes our lives, safety becomes our god. When safety becomes our god, we worship the risk-free life. Can the safety lover do anything great? Can the risk-averse accomplish noble deeds? For God? For others? No. The fear-filled cannot love deeply. Love is risky. They cannot give to the poor. Benevolence has no guarantee of return. The fear-filled cannot dream wildly. What if their dreams sputter and fall from the sky? The worship of safety emasculates greatness. No wonder Jesus wages such a war against fear.

The Gospels address fear head-on. The consensus? Don't be afraid.

Afraid of death and satanic forces at work? "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul" (Matt 10:28).

Afraid of God's calling you into a whole new life? "But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God' "(Luke 1:30).

Afraid of the world? "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).

Afraid of job loss, foreclosure, and bankruptcy? "Do not be afraid, little flock for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12"32).

Afraid of what people are saying behind your back? "So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known" (Matt 10:26).

Afraid that Jesus has left you? "He (God) Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. (I will) not, (I will) not, (I will) not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let (You) down (relax My hold on you)! (Assuredly not!)" (Heb 13:5 amplified bible).

Fear's main goal is to keep you from God's plan for your life, so don't allow it to win.

If anything should be afraid, it should be fear itself.

By: Max Lucado